Yuba City (California), Nov.19 : Sikhs have been a part of the American landscape for over 130 years. And, the Yuba Sutter area has some of the best agricultural land is known for the largest Sikh population of farm owners.

A visit to Yuba city that commemorated the 28th annual Sikh parade recently was a distinct joy recommended for one and all to explore at least once in one's life.

About 125 miles from San Francisco Bay Area, Yuba City has developed as a trading and service centre. The city is known for its sizeable Sikh community.

Each year, on the first Sunday of November, Sikhs from the United States, Canada, India, the United Kingdom and the rest of the world commemorates the receiving of the Holy book – the Guru Granth Sahib in 1708 by the Sikhs.

At the Gurudwara, built in 1969 on the 500th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak, Sikh devotees throng in large numbers to pay their obeisance to Sri Guru Granth Sahib while displaying their political, social and economic strength in the States.

About 100,000 people converged here recently to witness the 28th annual Sikh parade that was taken out before such a huge audience, making the occasion a grand occasion.

Flower petals were spread all around from a helicopter hovering above ceremonial dais and the path of the parade.

John Singh, said: "In the gathering of 100,000 people, many Congressmen and representatives from the Governor's office are taking part. The media coverage helps us to overcome an identify crisis which Sikhs in the US have been facing since the 9/11 incident."

The special occasion witnessed a large religious gathering and offered a platform to the Sikhs to discuss their issues.

The "Panj Pyaras" in the holy presence of the Sri Guru Granth Sahib lead the four-and-a-half mile procession.

The Punjabi American Heritage Society each year presents a festival to promote a better understanding the Punjabi community, its colourful history and the many contributions they make to this region.

For every Sikh living abroad it's an occasion to express solidarity by join wholeheartedly.

Rajinder Singh Chauhan, a U.S national, said: "It demonstrates our political and economic strength along with the unity among the Sikhs. Political strength is not enough (the Americans) don't recognize this. It has to be political, economic as well as social strength."

While tens and thousands lined the route of the parade, many more thousands congregated at the Gurudwara to socialize and partake in the community meal (Langar)

People feasted on traditional Sikh food and American traditions such as cotton candy and popcorn.

Non-Sikhs from across California also attended in the day of devotion. Although the young Sikhs have left the city, the weekend of devotion makes for a homecoming weekend for many.

Yuba City is the county seat of Sutter County, California in the United States. It is the principal city of the Yuba City Metropolitan Statistical Area which encompasses all of Sutter County and Yuba County. (ANI)